Do you wear your contacts no matter what? That may not be the best idea. According to a Prevention magazine article online, your eyes don’t work as well when you’re sick, so it may be a better idea to wear your glasses for a few days while you get over the major symptoms.
When you’re sick, your eyes typically experience a decline in tear production (antihistamine medication has a similar effect), so it leaves your eyes more prone to developing an infection like pink eye (conjunctivitis).
When feeling better, just like it’s a good idea to change your toothbrush after being sick, it is a good idea to change your contacts or temporarily switch to daily wear contacts to avoid perpetuating symptoms. In some cases where conjunctivitis does occur, your doctor may prescribe eye drops and restrict contact lens use until the infection clears.
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Resource:
Prevention: 14 Worst Health Mistakes Even Smart Women Make
American Optometric Association: Conjunctivitis
Christine Jeffries is a writer/editor for work and at heart, and lives in a home of testosterone with her husband and two sons. Christine is interested in women’s health and promoting strong women.